Categories: Entertainment and Attractions

Family Fun in St. Louis

Author: Beth Custer, Jennifer R. Rolf, and Roger Slavens

Top honors for family fun go to The Magic House (516 S. Kirkwood, 314-822-8900). In its U.S. Family Travel Guide, Zagat Survey rated it as the attraction with the most child appeal in the entire nation. Exhibits are geared to specific age groups, with activities just for babies, water play and sand areas for toddlers, and hands-on science experiments that are fun for kids of all ages. This hands-on museum lets children participate in live exhibits and activities, such as working "real jobs" at the Children's Village, forecasting the weather on TV, and freezing their shadows on the Shadow Wall. Everyone loves the electrostatic ball-touch it to make your hair stand on end.
Website: www.magichouse.org.

Another favorite of Zagat Survey is the Saint Louis Zoo ( Forest Park, 314-781-0900). Zagat recently named it the number one zoo in the nation. The newest exhibit, Fragile Forest, is a lush habitat of streams and trees built especially for the zoo's chimpanzees, orangutans, and gorillas. Travel on the Zooline railroad or walk around and explore the recently renovated children's zoo, the River's Edge, Big Cat Country and Penguin & Puffin Coast.
Website: www.stlzoo.org

The City Museum (701 N. 15th, 314-231-CITY) is hugely popular with kids and parents, and not at all what most people envision when they think of a museum. Instead, it's a wild, crazy, colorful space filled with creative things to do. There's a 3-story slide, giant crawl-through coils along the ceiling, a fascinating indoor cave system, and an aquarium where you can pet a shark.
Website: www.citymuseum.org

Animal lovers will love Purina Farms (Gray Summit, 314-982-3232), with its dozens of dogs and cats in the Pet Center and domestic farm animals in the Barn. Herding contests, whippet races, and over 60 dog events are held annually at its Canine Competition Center. Pet baby farm animals, view kittens and puppies, or watch a cow milking demonstration. Visitors can also explore a real hayloft or learn how pet foods are made.
Webiste: www.purinafarms.com

At Grant's Farm (314-843-1700, 10501 Gravois Rd.), the whole family can enjoy a wildlife preserve that is home to hundreds of animals from around the world. This former residence of President Ulysses S. Grant is run by Anheuser-Busch and features a petting zoo, an area to feed the animals, and a Clydesdale breeding facility.
Website: www.grantsfarm.com

The Saint Louis Science Center (5050 Oakland, 314-289-4444) offers over 700 hands-on exhibits, plus a planetarium and an Omnimax theatre. Visit a life-sized, animated Tyrannosaurus rex, or check out the enclosed bridge where you can measure the speed of cars passing on the interstate beneath you.
Website: www.slsc.org

On the St. Louis riverfront, you literally can't miss the Gateway Arch (314-982-1410). The nation's tallest man-made monument-it towers 630 feet high-boasts a tram you can ride to the top. In a facility below the Arch, you can watch a large-screen movie that tells the story of explorers Lewis & Clark, visit the museum of Westward Expansion, and shop for souvenirs. Nearby you can enjoy the Mississippi River-and possibly the best views of downtown St. Louis -aboard a Gateway Arch Riverboat (314-621-4040). One-hour, narrated cruises depart several times daily.
Website: www.gatewayarch.com

At St. Louis Union Station (314-421-6655; 18 th and Market Sts.) near the west side of downtown, you can shop for yourself or buy a gift for that special someone, grab a bite to eat at a sit down restaurant or in the food court, and even ride paddle boats out on the lake. Don't forget to pick up a souvenir that will remind you or others of your stay in St. Louis!
Website: www.stlouisunionstation.com

St. Louis Mills (314-298-1500, I-370 and I-279 intersection) hosts a multitude of choices for the activity-oriented family: go ice skating at the indoor rink where the St. Louis Blues practice; skateboard on a half pipe, ride motorcross bicycles, or try in-line skating at the ESPN X Games Skatepark; race cars at the NASCAR SpeedPark; or play miniature golf. Don't forget to check out the hundreds of retail shops and outlets.
Website: www.stlouismills.com

Cool off and soak in the fun at one of the area's many water parks. Aquaport (314-434-1919, 2344 McKelvey Rd.) offers several waterslides, a 740-foot Lazy River, a play area for small children and an 8,000-square-foot family fun pool.

Make it a day of fun at Six Flags St. Louis, then get all wet at the park's Hurricane Harbor ( 636-938-5300, I-44 and Allerton Rd., Eureka). Swim in the 30,000-square-foot pool, entertain small children in an interactive water play area, raft down the six-story Big Kahuna, or travel the tube slides, speed slides or the relaxing Gulley Washer Creek.
Website: www.sixflags.com

At Raging Rivers (618-786-2345, 100 Palisades Pkwy., Grafton, IL), located along the scenic Great River Road, you can drench a friend or get soaked at the water park's Tree House Harbor, complete with water cannons, swings, spigots and slides, and the "Big Bucket," which is ready to douse those who dare to stand underneath. For a more relaxing experience, try floating down the Endless River.
Website: www.ragingrivers.com

There is no doubt about it - St. Louis is a baseball town. No matter where you're staying within the metropolitan area, you are never far from the boys of summer. Downtown at Busch Stadium, the St. Louis Cardinals (314-421-2400, Busch Stadium) provide excitement for fans of all ages. Just follow the roar of the crowd and the sea of Cardinal red.
Website: www.stlouis.cardinals.mlb.com

Across the Mississippi River at GMC Stadium in Sauget, IL., the Gateway Grizzlies (618-337-3000) play independent professional baseball in the Frontier League.
Website: www.gatewaygrizzlies.com

The River City Rascals (636-240-BATS), thrill baseball fans 40 miles to the west at T.R. Hughes Stadium in O'Fallon, MO.
Website: www.rivercityrascals.com

 

Check out places of interest near Family Fun in St. Louis:

St. Louis Mills
5555 St. Louis Mills Blvd., Intersection of I-370 & I-270 , St. Louis, MO 63042

Just west of the I-370 & I-270 intersection is this retail and entertainment destination with over 175 stores.  Favorites are OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Store, Tommy Hilfiger Factory Store, and GAP Outlet.  Two play areas, iceZONE, and NASCAR Speedpark.

Ben and Jerry's Scoop Shop
6380 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130

The national brand of ice cream infamous for its clevery-titled seasonal treats and culture of peace.

 

Cold Stone Creamery
6662 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130

Famous for its mix-ins and delectable cold eats, stop by and grab a cone or cup after a nice meal to sate your sweet tooth.

 

Gateway Arch Riverboat Dinner Cruise
50 S. Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63102

Choose from a sit-down dinner of prime-rib, chicken, champagne, Alaskan Pollock, or a vegetarian dish with salad and dessert while you cruise down the Mississippi . Admire the incomparable St. Louis skyline while listening to the live jazz onboard. The boat boards at 7 p.m. and returns to dock at 9:30 p.m. Fare: $37 for adults and $18 for children (3-12). Reserved seating only. Call 877-982-1410 to reserve your table.

St. Louis Bubble Tea Company
6677 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130

Fans of the popular milk teas, fruit teas, slushies and, of course, bubble tea, will enjoy this cold drink oasis during the summer, and can stop by during the winter for a flavored hot tea.

 

St. Louis Union Station
1820 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103

St. Louis's grand old train station, a National Historic Landmark, has been restored and refurbished to host a variety of shops and restaurants.

Star Clipper Comics
6392 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130

Star Clipper is a well-renowned comic store, for its wide selection and knowledgable, friendly staff. If you need to pick up a latest issue or a trade paperback, Star Clipper is the place to go.

 

City Museum
701 N 15th St., St Louis, MO 63103

The City Museum is a zany, fun-filled place where imagination and surprises know no bounds, and inspiration blossoms where inner child and inner artist meet. Baffling architectural attractions are made of salvaged materials—including old chimneys, pieces of bridges, and construction cranes—that were gathered from all over St. Louis. This fun and funky museum invites visitors to explore caves, walk through a life-size whale, be in a circus, zoom down a 3-story slide, or climb through giant slinkies.

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis
3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108

Housing the hottest avant-garde art in the Midwest, the Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis offers group rates, student discounts, and a myriad of other benefits. The Museum also has special free events several times a month to encourage public participation in art, and even offers iPods with podcasts to help you find your way around the exhibits.

 

Grant's Farm
10501 Gravois Rd, St. Louis, MO 63123

Treat your family to a fun-filled day of animals and history when you visit Grant's Farm, where President Ulysses S. Grant built and lived in a log cabin. The 281-acre farm includes wild animals, animal edutainment (it's educational and entertaining), and a peek into the past.

Magic House Saint Louis Childrens Museum
516 South Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122

In its 25 years, the Magic House-St. Louis Children's Museum has opened children's eyes to the world through interactive exhibits, theater performances, and old-fashioned playtime. A not-for-profit organization, the Magic House has become a first choice for school trips, birthday parties or just weekend family fun, offering a stimulating environment where youngsters exercise their minds with smiles on their faces.

Purina Farms
200 Checkerboard Dr, Gray Summit, MO

All it takes is a short, scenic drive down Interstate 44 to find one of St. Louis's best-hidden treasures. A popular site for school field trips, Purina Farms is also a great day trip for the family. Pet lovers of all ages will find something to excite them with many hands-on exhibits and demonstrations, each emphasizing the relationship between pets and their owners. The area also offers many family friendly dining choices—perfect for stopping on the way to see one of the many local and national dog competitions happening throughout the year.

Saint Louis Science Center & Planetarium
5050 Oakland Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110

The Saint Louis Science Center is an educational paradise that is both fun and free!

Saint Louis Zoo
1 Government Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110

Considered by some to be the best zoo in the country, the Saint Louis Zoo houses and cares for more than 6,600 animals and has experienced a bit of a renaissance in recent years. Newer exhibits include winding pathways, hippos, and always-entertaining elephants at The River's Edge, The Fragile Forest habitat for orangutans and chimpanzees, and The Penguin & Puffin Coast. Tried and true family favorites include the Zooline Railroad, Children's Zoo, Conservation Carousel, and the Monsanto Insectarium, which is every bit as creepy-crawly as it sounds. Visitors to the Zoo cannot miss the breathtakingly unique sculpture, Animals Always, which depicts over 60 different animals featured at the Zoo. The purposefully rusting steel animals who peek out from behind sculpted flora and fauna are the work of sculptor Albert Paley, who chose to depict several endangered species in an effort to inspire future generations to protect Mother Nature. For more information on the Saint Louis Zoo, call 314-781-0900 or visit www.stlzoo.org.

St. Louis Blues
1401 Clark Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103

The puck drops and it's a race on ice. The Blues are St. Louis's official team of the National Hockey League.

 

St. Louis Cardinals
700 Clark Street, St. Louis, MO 63102

The Cardinals bring America's passtime to St. Louis, Busch Stadium to be more precise. The team won the World Series in 2006, their 10th national title. 

 

St. Louis Rams
901 N. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63101

Set, hike--the St. Louis Rams have been the city's official team of the National Football League for more than 70 years. The team plays at the indoor Edward Jones Dome from August until December. 

 

St. Louis Union Station
1820 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103

St. Louis's grand old train station, a National Historic Landmark, has been restored and refurbished to host a variety of shops and restaurants.

The Repertory Theater of St. Louis
130 Edgar Road, St. Louis, MO 63119

This St. Louis theater company is on a mission to bring high quality theater to the city for audiences of all ages. Performances suit a wide array of tastes; the company's line-up includes all types of theater from musicals to psycological murder mystery to comedy to experimental theater.